Virus Protection Information
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INTRODUCTION
Command AntiVirus (CSAV) has been adopted as the virus protection software for college computers. Once the initial software has been installed, all upgrades will be performed automatically. Periodically, as you log onto the enterprise network, your computer will perform a status check on the anti-virus software files on your computer. If your software is in need of an upgrade, the computer will download the necessary files from the server. This process takes very little time and will not interfere with your job performance.

Major upgrades to the software engine are necessary to ensure the most effective protection is always resident on your computer. When these changes are made to the software, you may see blue screen as the updated files are loaded on your computer. Once the software has been upgraded, your computer will reboot and you will be returned to the enterprise network log on screen.

Command AntiVirus is configured to automatically scan your hard drive and your diskette drives each time a file is activated from the drive. Should a virus be found, CSAV will automatically disinfect the file. In the event that CSAV is unable to disinfect the file, a dialog box will be displayed providing you with direction. Please call the Help Desk, ex. 4357, and report the incident to the Help Desk Professional. Action will be taken to ensure the protection of your computer.
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SCANNING DISKETTES
Scanning for viruses is suggested whenever your receive a file from an unknown source. You should always copy the file in question to a removable diskette and scan the entire diskette. This includes floppy diskettes as well as ZIP disks. Your computer should be configured to automatically scan a file when you try to copy it to another location. If your computer does not automatically scan the file after you copy it to a diskette, the following information will provide direction in scanning diskettes.
  • Select Start to display the Start Menu.
  • Select Programs to display the Program Menu.
  • Select Command Software to display the Command AntiVirus sub menu.
  • Select the Command AntiVirus option.
  • Select Command AntiVirus to display the following screen.


  • Click the right mouse button once to select the drive you want to scan.
  • Select the Execute Task button from the right side of the dialog box. The following screen is displayed as the drive is scanned.




  • When the scan is complete, the results will be displayed in the dialog box. If a virus is found, the screen will display the results. To remove the virus, go to the Removing a Virus section of this document.
  • Select Close to close the dialog box and return to the Command Software screen.
  • Click on the X in the top, right corner of the screen to close Command Software.
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REMOVING A VIRUS
Command AntiVirus (CSAV) is configured to scan the disk in the selected drive and report its findings. When a virus is found, the results are displayed in the dialog box. It is important to take note of the virus for reference when you begin disinfecting the disk. The Properties feature of CSAV provide you with the tools for removing a virus from the selected drive.
  • Select Start to display the Start Menu.
  • Select Programs to display the Program Menu.
  • Select Command Software to display the Command AntiVirus dialog box.
  • Click the right mouse button once to select the drive you want to disinfect.
  • Select the Properties button from the right side of the screen. The following screen appears.


  • Position the mouse at the Action to Take: options and click on the drop-down box to display the options for scanning/disinfecting the selected drive. Choose the option most appropriate from the list. The following list provides an explanation of each option available.
    • Report only - This will only inform you when a virus is detected and the type of virus. The file will not be disinfected. This option is useful to verifying the type of virus.
    • Disinfect - Disinfect will remove the virus from the file without disrupting you work. If CSAV is unable to remove the virus, you will be prompted to delete the file.
    • Disinfect/query - The Disinfect/query option identifies the virus and asks if you wish to disinfect it.
    • Delete - This option deletes any file that is found that contains a virus. It is important that you be aware if the file is deleted, the data is also deleted.
    • Delete/query - Like Disinfect/query, CSAV will prompt you to delete the file if a virus is found.
    • Rename - Rename renames the file by placing a "V" in the file extension. This identifies the file as being infected.
    • Rename/query - This will identify a virus-infected file and ask if you want to rename it. If you choose yes it will rename the file as described above. If you choose no you will then need to either disinfect or delete the file.
  • Position the mouse at the Drives to Scan option. If the correct drive is not displayed, select the Browse to display the options. Select the proper drive and choose OK to return to the Properties screen.
  • Select Include sub-folders if appropriate.
  • Select Specified files or All files.
  • Select Boot sectors if appropriate.
  • Select OK to save the selected properties. You are returned to the Command AntiVirus screen.
  • Select Execute Task to scan the selected drive using the saved properties. When the scan is complete, select Close to return to the Command AntiVirus screen.
  • Select the X in the top, right corner of the screen to close Command AntiVirus.
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RECOGNIZING HOAXES
Often alarms are sent regarding viruses that, in reality, are nothing more than a practical joke someone may be playing on you or someone else. Before becoming alarmed about a virus warning, it is a good idea to determine if the virus is real or a hoax. The following websites are valuable resources for determining the validity of the virus.
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UPDATING VIRUS SOFTWARE
Although your virus software is configured to periodically update as you logon to the enterprise network, occassionally it becomes necessary to manually update your virus software for protection against viruses that may be spread between updates. The following information will provide direction in manually updating your virus protection.
  • Select Start to display the Start menu.
  • Select Programs from the Start menu to display the Programs menu.
  • Select Command Software from the Programs menu to display the Command AntiVirus sub menu.
  • Select the Command AntiVirus option from the sub menu.
  • Select Command AntiVirus to display the following screen.



  • Select Preferences from the menu bar. A drop-down menu appears.
  • Select Advanced from the Preferences menu. Automatic Update is displayed on your screen.
  • Select the Update Now button to update the virus software on your computer. Your computer will scan the enterprise network for the latest version of virus software and copy the software to your computer. Depending on your computer type and the version of your virus software, you may or may not see any changes to your screen. NOTE: You must be logged on to the enterprise network for the virus software to be updated.
  • Scan your hard drives after the update to insure you have no viruses. Go to Scanning Diskettes of this document for direction on scanning disk drives.
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PROTECTING HOME COMPUTERS
College of DuPage has purchased Command AntiVirus software for college-owned computers. It is suggested that your home computer be protected against viruses as well. Most viruses are passed between home and work computers when one of the computers is not properly protected. Information Technology does not promote the purchase of any specific anti-virus software. Software can be purchased from any software retailer. Information Technology does not support non-college owned computers. The installation and support of anti-virus software is the responsibility of the computer owner.
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PROTECTING MACINTOSH COMPUTERS
College of DuPage continues to use Virex for protecting Macintosh computers against computer viruses. This program scans for viruses and automatically repairs any infected files. Further information regarding Virex is available at the McAfee website.

To have the latest version of Virex installed on your Macintosh computer, contact the Information Technology Help Desk at ext. 4357.
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Send comments to:  
rathke@cdnet.cod.edu
Last Update: January 8, 2003